A Liverpool man has been handed a three-year and four-month prison sentence for operating an unlawful “Firestick” streaming service. Jonathan Edge, aged 29, received the hefty punishment after admitting guilt to three Fraud Act offences.
This case, stemming from a joint operation by the Premier League, Merseyside Police, and FACT (Federation Against Copyright Theft), is part of a broader initiative to combat illegal streaming.
Selling his services on social media platforms like Facebook and through personal referrals, Edge managed the covert operation straight from his house, where he loaded Firestick streaming devices with content in exchange for payments. The Premier League’s vigilant efforts to stamp out illegal broadcasts extend beyond individuals to commercial establishments such as shops, pubs, and eateries that show football matches without authorisation.
The intention behind Edge’s significant sentence is clear; it serves as a stark deterrent, highlighting the multi-million-pound losses incurred due to illegal streaming annually.
Detective Sergeant Steve Frame of Merseyside Police commented: “Merseyside Police is committed to working in collaboration to investigate intellectual property theft and we welcome today’s sentence handed to Edge.”, reports the Mirror.
He emphasised the severity of the crime, stating: “Many people see no harm in illegally streaming TV services but they are wrong, and this outcome should serve as a further warning how seriously such copyright theft continues to be taken.”
The Premier League utilises advanced anti-piracy technology to identify illegal streams and pursue those responsible for them.
Kevin Plumb, Premier League General Counsel, commented: “The significant sentence handed down to the individual involved once again serves to highlight the severity of his actions and we thank Merseyside Police for their support throughout the case.”
He added, “We will continue to pursue legal action against those supplying unauthorised access to Premier League football, regardless of the scale or mode of operation. Ignoring warnings to stop only served to make the consequences worse for the individual.”
Plumb further stated, “The selling of broadcast rights supports the Premier League’s industry-leading financial contribution to the whole football pyramid and we’re pleased that the courts have once again recognised the importance of safeguarding these rights with the outcome of this case.”
He concluded by saying, “No matter the scale, we will continue to protect these rights by carrying out investigations and prosecuting illegal operators at every level.”
